The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 179

179 Smart but Stubborn

Sebastian moved closer, still looking devastatingly handsome in the suit I’d designed. “Hazel-” 1

Heat crawled up my neck. “He’s been very supportive of my business. That’s all.”

“Sebastian, darling,” Eleanor interrupted smoothly, “would you check if Agnes needs help with lunch? I’d like a moment with Miss Shaw.”

The words landed like a slap, leaving me stunned and speechless. Before I could form a response, she had opened the door, signaling that our conversation was over.

Sebastian waited for us in a sun-drenched room overlooking the gardens. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of meticulously landscaped grounds. He pulled out chairs for both of us before taking his seat.

“Eleanor,” she corrected gently.

“You know,” she said gently, “you seem like a smart girl, but you’re a bit stubborn.”

My throat went dry. “Mrs. Sinclair-”

Eleanor sighed deeply, studying me with those penetrating eyes that seemed to see right through my walls.

“Actually,” Eleanor interjected, “Stephen needs to speak with you about the Johnson contract. He’s waiting in your office.” She turned to me with a polite smile. “I’ll see our guest out.”

At the entrance, she finally paused and turned to me. Her expression had softened, becoming almost maternal.

When we were alone, Eleanor led me slowly toward the front door. Her silence was more unnerving than any question could have been.

Sebastian hesitated, looking between us. I could see his reluctance to leave, but he nodded. “Of course, Mother.”

“Including the hospital charity gala next month,” Sebastian added. “Hazel’s designs will be featured exclusively.”

Sebastian tensed. “Mother—”

“My son doesn’t invest his time or emotions carelessly,” Eleanor said, her voice matter-of-fact. “Sebastian has never brought a woman to meet me before. Not once.”

“Of course,” Eleanor nodded, but her eyes never left my face. “Though sometimes when the right person comes along, our carefully made plans must adjust.”

“And personally?” Eleanor asked, cutting straight to the heart of what she wanted to know. “What are your plans now that your divorce is final?”

“And the man was a fool, I gather?”

A surprised laugh escaped me. “That’s one way to put it.”

All eyes turned to me. The weight of their attention made me panic slightly.

The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Sebastian’s expression became carefully neutral. Eleanor’s fork paused midway to her mouth.

Sebastian rose immediately. “I’ll walk you out.”

I set my glass down with more force than intended. “I prefer to stick to my plans.”

“My career is my priority,” I stated firmly. “I spent six years with a man who didn’t value me. I don’t intend to make that mistake again.”

“I hope Mother wasn’t interrogating you too severely,” he said, his eyes searching mine.

The rest of the lunch passed in strained conversation about neutral topics-the weather, local events, art exhibitions. I contributed as little as possible, counting the minutes until I could escape.

Sebastian’s face had become a mask. “Everyone needs time to heal after betrayal.”

“So, Hazel,” Eleanor said as we moved to the main course, “Sebastian tells me your business is expanding rapidly.”

She smiled. “Is that so? Because the way my son looks at you suggests otherwise.”

I tensed. “It was finalized last month.”

Eleanor nodded approvingly. “Excellent networking opportunity. The city’s most influential people attend that event.”

179 Smart but Stubborn

Eleanor stood gracefully. “Shall we? Sebastian will be waiting.”

When dessert was finally cleared away, I stood quickly. “Thank you for lunch, but I should really get back to work.”

She patted my hand. “The most interesting people have the most complicated stories, my dear.”

I looked away. “He’s been a good friend.”

“It’s a fair question,” she insisted. “I’m simply curious about Hazel’s aspirations.”

“That’s… quite definitive,” Eleanor finally said.

“My son cares deeply for you,” she said quietly.

The silence that followed my confession was deafening. Sebastian’s gaze burned into me while Eleanor studied me with new interest, like I was a puzzle she hadn’t quite figured out.

The housekeeper appeared at the doorway. “Lunch is served in the garden room, Mrs. Sinclair.”

Eleanor smiled. “We were just getting acquainted.”

“Is that really all you want from him?”

“Eleanor,” I managed. “I appreciate your hospitality, but I should be clear that Sebastian and I have a professional relationship.”

“Inadequate?” she repeated, her silver eyebrows lifting. “That’s not a word I’d expect from someone with your accomplishments.”

Sebastian looked torn, but nodded. “I’ll call you later, Hazel.”

An uncomfortable silence settled over the table. I took a sip of water, suddenly aware that I might have spoken too bluntly.

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That couldn’t be right. “But surely he’s dated-”

I forced myself to focus. “Yes, we’ve had some unexpected success. The Evening Gala brand has secured several major contracts recently.”

“Now then,” she said, leaning forward slightly. “Let’s talk properly, woman to woman.”

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Lunch was a culinary masterpiece-delicate salmon, seasonal vegetables, and fresh bread that melted in my mouth. Despite the exquisite food, I could barely taste anything. The tension between Sebastian and me was palpable, charged with unspoken words.

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. The plush sofa suddenly felt too soft, like I was sinking into quicksand. “I just meant that our backgrounds are very different.”

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